The Urban Institute is a nonprofit policy research organization established in Washington D.C. in 1968. Its objectives are to sharpen thinking about society’s problems and efforts to solve them, improve government decisions and their implementation, and increase citizens? awareness about important public choices. Institute researchers identify and measure the extent of social problems, assess developing trends and solutions to those problems, evaluate existing social and economic programs and policy options, and offer conceptual clarification and technical assistance in the development of new strategies. In pursuit of broader research and educational goals, Institute staff present their analysis and research to members and staff of the executive and legislative branches, the media, and other interested groups.

Funders

This study was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE).

Acknowledgments

This study could not have been completed without the cooperation and assistance of many individuals. Most importantly, we are indebted to the state and local TANF agency officials and their partners who allowed us to visit their offices and conduct interviews with staff. Without their permission and support, this study could not have been completed. We also thank the other members to of the project team at the Urban Institute for their invaluable contributions—particularly, Pamela Holcomb, Jeffrey Capizzano, and Kelly Mikelson. Finally, we are indebted to our Project Officers, William Marton of ASPE, K.A. Jagannathan of ACF, and Jamie Kendall formerly of ACF, for their commitment to the project.

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